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Process Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles, CA

As a Sr Control Systems Engineer you will provide support and maintain refinery/process control infrastructure including Honeywell Distributed Control Systems (DCS), virtualization environments ...

As a Sr Control Systems Engineer you will provide support and maintain refinery/process control infrastructure including Honeywell Distributed Control Systems (DCS), virtualization environments ...

Apply control engineering, scientific, mathematical, signal processing, and human physiology ... Expert knowledge in signal processing, system identification, mathematical modeling and algorithm ...

Control Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

CHAOS is seeking a skilled Control Systems Engineer to join our hardware engineering team. In this role, you will design, build, and maintain HIL simulation environments that enable full system ...

Rover Control Systems Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $160K/yr

Rover Control Systems Engineer Department: Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Denise Brown Compensation: $140,000 - $160,000 / year ...

Astrolab is seeking a Rover Control Systems Engineer to support development of control systems for extra-terrestrial rovers such as vehicle mobility system control, robotic arm control, and high gain ...

Has a firm competency of one or more control/information system platforms or industrial processes ... Programming of control and information systems * Designing electrical control cabinets and panels

Has a firm competency of one or more control/information system platforms or industrial processes ... Programming of control and information systems * Designing electrical control cabinets and panels

Has a firm competency of one or more control/information system platforms or industrial processes ... Programming of control and information systems * Designing electrical control cabinets and panels

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Process Control Systems Engineer information

See Los Angeles, CA salary details

$56.6K

$106.4K

$158.4K

How much do process control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for process control systems engineer in Los Angeles, CA is $106,413.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a process control systems engineer do?

A Process Control Systems Engineer designs, implements, and maintains the systems that control and automate industrial processes. These engineers work with hardware and software to ensure manufacturing operations run efficiently, safely, and within set parameters. Their responsibilities include programming control systems (like PLCs, DCS, or SCADA), troubleshooting issues, optimizing process performance, and collaborating with other engineering teams. They play a key role in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, where precise process control is essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process control systems engineer?

To thrive as a Process Control Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, process automation, and control systems, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and certifications such as ISA CAP or experience with programming languages like Ladder Logic are typically required. Analytical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills are vital soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial processes in highly automated environments.

How does a process control systems engineer typically collaborate with operations and maintenance teams in a manufacturing environment?

Process Control Systems Engineers work closely with operations and maintenance teams to ensure that automated systems run efficiently and reliably. They often participate in troubleshooting sessions, implement control system upgrades, and provide technical support for process optimization. Regular communication is essential, as engineers must translate operational needs into technical solutions and ensure that any changes minimize downtime. This collaborative approach helps maintain safety, product quality, and system integrity throughout daily operations.

What is the difference between Process Control Systems Engineer vs Instrumentation Engineer?

AspectProcess Control Systems EngineerInstrumentation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like CCST or ISABachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering, ISA certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation systemsControl panels, instrumentation installation, calibration in industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, chemical, power plants, manufacturingProcess industries, automation companies, plant maintenance

Process Control Systems Engineers focus on designing, implementing, and maintaining control systems for industrial processes, ensuring automation and efficiency. Instrumentation Engineers primarily handle the installation, calibration, and maintenance of instruments and sensors used in process control. While both roles collaborate closely, the Process Control Systems Engineer emphasizes system integration and control logic, whereas the Instrumentation Engineer concentrates on instrumentation hardware and calibration.

How much does a process control systems engineer earn?

The average salary for a process control systems engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, and the role often involves working with automation tools and control systems in industrial environments.

What are popular job titles related to Process Control Systems Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA?

For Process Control Systems Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Process Control Systems Engineer job openings in Los Angeles, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,413 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Sr Control Systems Engineer

Valero

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$134K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 13 hours ago


Valero rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

69th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Valero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to modern life. We invite you to join our ~10,000 employees to drive exceptional results for our company, the energy industry and our community.

As a Sr Control Systems Engineer you will provide support and maintain refinery/process control infrastructure including Honeywell Distributed Control Systems (DCS), virtualization environments, industrial networks, cybersecurity initiatives, and PLC systems. This role will support day-to-day operations, troubleshooting, system upgrades, cybersecurity compliance, and long-term reliability improvements for critical control systems infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have strong technical knowledge of industrial automation systems, virtualized server environments, OT networking, and cybersecurity best practices within manufacturing or refinery operations.

At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity and unmatched execution. You can help achieve this goal if you can:

  • Provide engineering and technical support for Honeywell DCS systems including servers, operator stations, application nodes, and controllers
  • Troubleshoot DCS hardware, software, communication, and performance issues
  • Support system backups, patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management activities
  • Support alarm management, historian systems, and interface troubleshooting
  • Support and maintain virtualized environments using platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V
  • Support and troubleshoot OT/ICS network infrastructure including managed switches, firewalls, fiber networks, VLANs, and wireless infrastructure
  • Support industrial cybersecurity initiatives aligned with company standards and industry best practices
  • Support PLC systems including troubleshooting, logic validation, and communications
  • Work with systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Modicon, and other industrial PLC platforms
  • Support communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, OPC, and ControlNet
  • Assist with startup, commissioning, and control system modifications
  • Support integration between DCS, PLC, SIS, historians, and business systems
  • Have experience supporting Honeywell DCS or similar control systems
  • Have knowledge of virtualization technologies and Windows server administration
  • Have understanding of industrial networking concepts and troubleshooting
  • Have familiarity with OT cybersecurity principles and practices
  • Have working knowledge of PLC systems and industrial communications
  • Read and interpret company policies, regulatory guidelines, and other work-related documentation.
  • Abide by confidentiality requirements when working with sensitive information, results, and communications.
  • Provide thorough, efficient, and effective customer service to individuals at all levels within the organization.
  • Communicate effectively through written and verbal methods.
  • Accomplish work within required timelines, including short, long, and emergency timeframes.
  • Cross-train in other department duties to ensure efficient coverage department responsibilities.
  • Work with others to accomplish challenging assignments.
  • Multi-task and prioritize multiple assignments to ensure completion of tasks within stated time requirements.
  • Have basic skill using Microsoft Office programs (i.e., Word and Excel).

This position is salaried exempt status, which means you are not eligible for overtime pay.

The salary range for this position is $134,400 to $184,800 and represents Valero's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of expected compensation at the time of this posting.  Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of job-related factors, including but not limited to, the individual's qualifications and experience.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Wilmington Refinery, required.
  • Bachelor's or higher level degree in Engineering required.
  • 5 years of process control/advanced process control field experience required.

Preferred Requirements: 

  • Bachelor's or higher level degree in Electrical/Controls/Chemical Engineering preferred.
  • Process control/DCS/PLC engineering experience preferred.
     

Need more reasons to work for a company that is both professionally challenging and culturally rewarding?  Take a look at some of our best-in-class benefits:

  • Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program
  • 100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, with immediate vesting
  • Company-sponsored Pension Plan
  • Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Program

Benefits described above are highlights only, subject to an employee's eligibility and work location.

Discover more about Wilmington and how we're making a difference there.

All successful candidates must be eligible to obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential). It is Valero's policy that employees must wear this card at all times while working at the refinery. Please review eligibility criteria at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.

Position level and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Valero's employees and team-focused culture drive our success. We're invested in our dedicated workforce through a comprehensive, customizable benefits package, while supporting a caring culture that delivers a rewarding work environment built on teamwork, excellence and career growth. To explore the ways we build a stronger team, visit Valero.com/Careers.

Valero is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero.  Valero's market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites.  

*LI-LP1


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